Early-Development ZNF804A Linked to Hyper-Excitable Neurons in Schizophrenia
TL;DR
A precision functional genomics study shows the schizophrenia risk gene ZNF804A is most active in glutamatergic neurons during the second trimester. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to suppress ZNF804A in developing neurons increased local protein translation at dendritic tips, raised synapse density, and heightened electrical excitability, linking this genetic risk factor to a specific neurodevelopmental mechanism that may contribute to schizophrenia.
- Schizophrenia Risk Gene Linked to Hyper-Excitable Neurons Neuroscience News
- Rethinking schizophrenia: insights from genomics and implications for research Nature
- Key timepoint, neuron type, and cellular functions identified for schizophrenia risk gene King's College London
- Study Finds Genetic Risk for Schizophrenia Emerges in Early Adolescence Bioengineer.org
- Genetic risk of schizophrenia manifests in early adolescence, study shows Medical Xpress
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